Earticle

This study aimed to identify factors influencing hand hygiene compliance among elderly caregivers in long-term care facilities, based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 133 elderly caregivers from four long-term care facilities in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Self-reported questionnaires assessed hand hygiene-related belief factors (behavioral, normative, and control beliefs), core TPB factors (attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control), intention, and hand hygiene compliance. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed. The mean scores for hand hygiene attitude, subjective norm, and behavioral intention among participants exceeded the scale midpoint, whereas scores for control beliefs and perceived behavioral control were relatively lower. Hand hygiene compliance was significantly correlated with behavioral beliefs (r = 0.23, p = 0.008), control beliefs (r = 0.26, p = 0.002), attitude toward behavior (r = 0.18, p = 0.038), perceived behavioral control (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), and intention (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). Multiple regression identified perceived behavioral control (β = 0.33, p = 0.002) and intention (β = 0.23, p = 0.006) as significant predictors of compliance, explaining 19.1% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.191). Hand hygiene compliance among elderly caregivers is determined primarily by perceived behavioral control and intention. Interventions should not only enhance knowledge but also address structural and organizational factors-including workload, accessibility of hand hygiene facilities, feedback systems, and peer modeling-to strengthen caregivers’ perceived control and translate intention into action.

Warm-up strategies are commonly used to enhance physical performance and reduce the risk of injury before training or competition. Dynamic stretching and foam rolling are widely applied methods, and the addition of vibration to foam rolling has recently gained attention for its potential to further improve neuromuscular function and joint mobility. The present study investigated the effects of a combined warm-up strategy including dynamic stretching and vibration foam rolling on physical performance in adolescent wrestlers. Eleven male adolescent wrestlers participated in a crossover design under four different warm-up conditions: control, dynamic stretching, dynamic stretching with foam rolling, and dynamic stretching with vibration foam rolling. Following each condition, flexibility, dynamic balance, lower-body power, strength, agility, and wrestling-specific performance were assessed. The results showed that flexibility and dynamic balance were significantly improved in the dynamic stretching combined with vibration foam rolling condition compared with the other conditions, whereas no significant differences were observed in lower-body power, strength, agility, or wrestling-specific performance. These findings suggest that incorporating vibration foam rolling into a dynamic stretching routine may contribute to certain aspects of physical performance and may have practical implications for injury prevention in adolescent wrestlers.

This study investigated whether regular treadmill exercise after traumatic brain injury (TBI) improves the regenerative environment in the motor cortex and hippocampus by modulating astrocyte-related proteins and PTEN–mTOR signaling. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: normal control (Norm, n=8), TBI + sedentary (TBI+SED, n=8), and TBI + treadmill exercise (TBI+Ex, n=8). After a 2-week recovery period, the TBI+Ex group performed treadmill exercise for 4 weeks. Treadmill exercise significantly increased GAP-43 and TrkB expression in both regions compared with TBI+SED. The TBI+SED group exhibited elevated GFAP and p-mTOR levels in the motor cortex and hippocampus. Notably, p-PTEN showed region-specific responses: it increased in the motor cortex after TBI and further increased with exercise, whereas it decreased in the hippocampus after TBI but significantly increased following exercise. These findings suggest that regular treadmill exercise after TBI may attenuate glial scar formation and enhance neural regeneration by modulating PTEN–mTOR signaling in a region-specific manner.

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is widely applied as a warm-up strategy to enhance performance. Although various rest intervals have been proposed following PAPE, an optimal recovery duration has not been clearly established. In addition, most previous studies applying PAPE have focused only on comparing individual variables rather than on multidirectional analysis of skill-related physical fitness factors. The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal rest interval following upper- and lower-body PAPE through a comprehensive analysis of skill-related physical fitness in elites. Seven male elites participated in a crossover design under four groups: control (CON), 3-minute rest (3RG), 8-minute rest (8RG), and 12-minute rest (12RG) groups following PAPE. PAPE was induced using resistance exercises at 85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), consisting of the bench press for the upper body and squat for the lower body. Skill-related physical fitness was assessed using measures of power, agility, balance, speed, coordination, and reaction time. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA with LSD. The significance level was set at .05. Lower-body power was greater in the 3RG and 12RG conditions compared with CON, whereas no significant differences were observed in upper-body power. Upper-body agility improved in both 3RG and 12RG relative to CON, while lower-body agility did not differ across conditions. Dynamic balance improvements were primarily evident in 3RG compared with CON. Speed did not differ significantly across conditions following upper-body PAPE. Coordination increased in 3RG compared with CON after upper-body PAPE, and in all rest conditions (3RG, 8RG, and 12RG) relative to CON after lower-body PAPE. Reaction time showed no significant differences across conditions. These findings suggest that the optimal rest interval following PAPE varies according to body segment and fitness component. However, when considering all skill-related fitness measures, a 3-minute rest interval may represent the optimal recovery duration in elites.

Exercise-based body conditioning programs are widely recommended as non-pharmacological strategies for improving cardiovascular health. However, it remains unclear whether individuals with different baseline blood pressure (BP) categories demonstrate differential hemodynamic responses to an identical structured exercise intervention. This study aimed to investigate whether resting BP status influences the magnitude of hemodynamic adaptations following a standardized body conditioning program. This quasi-experimental study included 95 young adults who voluntarily participated in a supervised 15-week body conditioning program. Participants were classified according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association BP guidelines into four categories: normal blood pressure (NBP), elevated blood pressure (EBP), stage 1 hypertension (S1HTN), and stage 2 hypertension (S2HTN). Hemodynamic variables—including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and rate pressure product (RPP)—were measured at baseline and after the intervention under standardized conditions. ANCOVA was performed to evaluate time effects, group effects, and time-by-group interactions after adjusting for relevant covariates. Significant time effects were observed across all BP groups, indicating overall improvements in hemodynamic parameters following the intervention (p < 0.05). Importantly, significant time-by-group interaction effects were identified for SBP, DBP, and MAP (p < 0.05), demonstrating that participants with higher baseline BP levels (S1HTN and S2HTN) exhibited greater reductions compared with those in the NBP and EBP groups. The magnitude of improvement increased progressively with baseline BP severity. HR and RPP also showed favorable reductions following the intervention, although their interaction effects across BP categories were less pronounced. Effect size analyses indicated moderate-to-large improvements particularly in hypertensive subgroups. As a conclusion, a standardized body conditioning program produces differential hemodynamic adaptations depending on baseline blood pressure status, with greater improvements observed among individuals with elevated and hypertensive BP profiles. These findings emphasize the importance of baseline cardiovascular risk stratification when interpreting exercise-induced physiological adaptations and support the clinical relevance of structured exercise interventions as an effective strategy for blood pressure management, particularly in hypertensive populations.

Horseback riding has been suggested as an effective intervention for improving spinal alignment and neuromuscular coordination; however, limited accessibility, safety concerns, and environmental constraints restrict its clinical application for scoliosis patient. Recently, extended reality (XR)-based horseback riding systems have emerged as a promising alternative by providing immersive, controllable, and reproducible therapeutic environments. Nevertheless, high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating their clinical effectiveness in patients with scoliosis remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effects of XR-based horseback riding on back pain, trunk muscle contractile function, and three-dimensional spinal alignment in individuals with scoliosis. In this randomized controlled trial, adolescents diagnosed with scoliosis were recruited from the Seosan region, Korea, between February and March 2026. Participants were randomly assigned to either an XR-based horseback riding intervention group (XRE, n = 20) or a control group (CON, n = 20). The intervention group performed supervised XR-based equestrian simulator training for 30 min per session, three times per week, over a 6-month period. The CON received matched exposure to visual XR content while remaining seated passively on the simulator without active riding movements. Back pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Trunk muscle contractile properties of the bilateral rectus abdominis (RA) and erector spinae (ES) were evaluated using tensiomyography (TMG). Spinal alignment across coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes was measured using a validated three-dimensional (3-D) imaging analyzer. Outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention under standardized testing conditions. Following the intervention, the XRE demonstrated significant reductions in back pain severity compared with the CON (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were also observed in trunk muscle contractile responses, including enhanced activation characteristics of the RA and ES (p < 0.05). In addition, 3-D spinal alignment parameters showed favorable corrective changes in the XRE relative to CON (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, XR-based horseback riding produced clinically meaningful improvements in back pain, trunk muscle contractile function, and spinal alignment in adolescents with scoliosis. These findings suggest that XR-assisted equestrian simulator training represents a safe, accessible, and effective rehabilitation strategy for improving musculoskeletal function in patients with scoliosis.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) represents a fundamental index of aerobic fitness and integrative cardiopulmonary performance. Although whole-body composition—particularly skeletal muscle mass and adiposity—is known to influence VO2max, the relative contributions of peripheral muscle mechanical properties and local muscle morphology remain incompletely understood. In particular, the extent to which neuromuscular contractile characteristics assessed by tensiomyography (TMG) provide additional explanatory value beyond conventional body composition variables has not been fully clarified. Thus, this study aimed to identify decisive peripheral determinants of VO2max by examining the combined contributions of skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat mass, TMG-derived contractile indices, and ultrasound-based muscle thickness. Thirty-three healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Whole-body composition variables were assessed using standardized procedures. Contractile properties of the vastus lateralis were evaluated using TMG, with maximal radial displacement (Dm) and relaxation time (Tr) analyzed as indices of neuromuscular mechanical function. Ultrasound imaging was used to quantify vastus lateralis muscle thickness as a structural marker of peripheral muscle morphology. VO2max was determined using graded exercise testing under standardized laboratory conditions. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were performed to identify independent predictors of VO2max. It demonstrated significant negative associations with fat mass and leg skinfold thickness and positive associations with RDm and femur length (p < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, fat mass and TMG-derived relaxation time (Tr) emerged as significant independent negative predictors of VO2max (p < 0.05), indicating that increased adiposity and slower neuromuscular relaxation characteristics were associated with reduced aerobic capacity. SMM showed a positive contribution at a trend level but did not remain an independent predictor after adjustment. In contrast, vastus lateralis muscle thickness was not independently associated with VO2max after accounting for whole-body composition and neuromuscular mechanical variables. As a conclusion, these findings suggest that whole-body adiposity and peripheral neuromuscular mechanical properties represent key determinants of VO2max, whereas local muscle thickness alone provides limited independent explanatory value.

Prostate cancer survivors frequently experience pelvic floor dysfunction, reduced lower-limb muscle coordination, persistent fatigue, and systemic inflammatory alterations following treatment, all of which contribute to impaired functional recovery and reduced quality of life (QoL). Kegel exercise, is widely recommended to improve urinary continence and pelvic stability, while aerobic exercise has demonstrated additional benefits for systemic inflammation and cancer-related symptoms. However, limited randomized controlled trials have examined the combined effects of pelvic floor and aerobic exercise on peripheral muscle function, inflammatory cytokines, and QoL in prostate cancer survivors. Thus, this study investigated the effects of a structured combined Kegel and aerobic exercise program on adductor longus (AL) muscle function, circulating cytokine responses, and QoL in prostate cancer survivors. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 prostate cancer survivors were randomly assigned to either a combined exercise group (KEG+AE, n = 30) or a usual care control group (CON, n = 30). The intervention group participated in supervised Kegel and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks, while the CON received standard care without structured exercise participation. AL muscle contractile function was assessed using tensiomyography. Circulating inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. QoL was evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. Group × time interaction effects were examined using RMA. Significant interactions were observed for adductor longus contractile function parameters, indicating improved neuromuscular performance following the combined exercise intervention (p < 0.05). Circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly reduced, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine responses improved in the in the KEG+AE compared with CON (p < 0.05). In addition, global health status/QoL scores significantly increased in the KEG+AE, accompanied by improvements in physical functioning and reductions in fatigue-related symptoms (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, a structured combined Kegel and aerobic exercise program improves AL muscle contractile function, modulates inflammatory cytokine responses, and enhances QoL in prostate cancer survivors.

Rope skipping is a representative aerobic exercise that combines convenience with high training efficiency and has been widely used as an effective exercise intervention for improving physical fitness and promoting health. In particular, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has attracted attention as an efficient exercise method that can induce significant physiological adaptations within a short period of time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week rope skipping training program with different exercise intensities on cardiopulmonary and cognitive function in obese male college students. A total of 54 obese male college students were randomly assigned to a high-intensity interval rope skipping training group (HIIT), a moderate-intensity continuous rope skipping training group (MICT), and a control group (CON). Cardiopulmonary function variables included maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), resting heart rate (RHR), and heart rate recovery (HRR). Cognitive function variables included Stroop reaction time and Trail Making Test (TMT-A and TMT-B) performance time. The results showed that both the HIIT and MICT groups demonstrated significant improvements in cardiopulmonary and cognitive function, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. In particular, the HIIT group showed greater improvements in VO₂max and HRR than the MICT group (p < 0.05), and resting heart rate decreased more markedly. In addition, the HIIT group showed greater improvements in Stroop reaction time and executive function tests (TMT-A and TMT-B), indicating that high-intensity interval training was more effective for enhancing cognitive function. In conclusion, a 12-week high-intensity interval rope skipping training program was found to be an effective exercise intervention for improving cardiopulmonary and cognitive function in obese male college students, and it demonstrated greater efficiency than moderate-intensity continuous exercise. This study provides scientific evidence supporting rope skipping-based HIIT as a time-efficient health promotion strategy for obese college students.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week sport-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on physical fitness, performance, sleep, and fatigue in dragon boat athletes. Forty athletes from Jiangxi Normal University (China) were randomly assigned to a HIIT group (EX, n = 20) or a control group (CON, n = 20) for a 12-week intervention. A repeated-measures design was employed to assess physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, & power output), performance (200 m & 500 m records, stroke rate consistency [SRC], and power output consistency [POC]), and sleep and subjective fatigue (PSQI & FSS) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results showed that HIIT significantly improved posterior chain strength (deadlift 1 RM), core muscular endurance (sit-ups and plank), and both peak and mean power outputs (p < 0.001), with significant group × time interactions. In contrast, cardiorespiratory variables (VO₂ max, anaerobic threshold, & respiratory exchange ratio) showed non-significant improvements. Performance outcomes were significantly enhanced, with reduced 200 m and 500 m records and improved SRC and POC (p < 0.001), indicating better sport-specific performance and team coordination. Additionally, HIIT significantly reduced PSQI scores and subjective fatigue, with significant group × time interactions (p < 0.001), suggesting improved recovery. In conclusion, a 12-week sport-specific HIIT program effectively enhances neuromuscular performance, power output, and competitive performance in dragon boat athletes, while improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue. However, its effects on cardiorespiratory fitness in well-trained athletes appear limited. These findings provide practical evidence for optimizing training programs in dragon boat athletes and support the application of HIIT in water-based sports.

노화로 인한 근감소증은 노인의 신체 기능 저하와 대사 질환 위험 증가에 영향을 미친다. 최근 골격근에서 분비되는 마이오카인 (myokine)이 근육 기능 및 전신 건강 유지에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 보고되면서, 운동강도에 따른 마이오카인 변화에 대한 관심이 증가하고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 저강도 고반복 (LI-HR) 및 고강도 저반복 (HI-LR) 탄성 밴드 저항운동이 노인의 기능적 체력과 마이오카인 수준에 미치는 영향을 비교하였다. 연구 대상은 65세 이상 노인 30명 (평균 연령 76.0세)으로, 대조군 (n=10), LI-HR군 (n=10), HI-LR군 (n=10)으로 무작위 배정하였다. 운동군은 12주간 주 3회 탄성 밴드 기반 저항운동 프로그램에 참여하였다. 측정 항목은 기능적 체력 (상대 악력, 의자 일어서기, 4 m 보행, TUG), 발목 근력, 하지 파워 및 마이오카인(IL-6, IGF-1, SPARC, BDNF) 이었다. 모든 통계 처리는 SPSS 버전 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA)을 이용하였다. 연구 결과, LI-HR군과 HI-LR군 모두에서 TUG 수행 능력이 유의하게 향상되었으며 (p < 0.05), HI-LR군에서는 4 m 보행 능력이 유의하게 개선되었다 (p < 0.001). 또한 두 운동군 모두 IL-6는 유의하게 감소하고 IGF-1은 유의하게 증가하였다. SPARC는 HI-LR군에서만 유의한 증가를 보였다 (p = 0.021). 이러한 결과는 탄성 밴드를 활용한 저항운동이 노인의 기능적 체력과 일부 마이오카인 조절에 긍정적인 영향을 미친다는 점을 시사한다. 특히 HI-LR 저항운동은 기능적 이동성과 SPARC 반응 개선에서 유의한 효과를 보였다. 본 연구는 노인을 위한 맞춤형 저항운동 프로그램 적용과 효과적인 운동 강도 설정을 위한 기초자료를 제공할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

The human body and the Earth are both conductive. When the body is in direct contact with the Earth, it becomes part of the Earth’s electrical circuit and reaches a more stable state. Modern lifestyles, including the use of insulating materials and exposure to man‑made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), reduce this natural contact and may contribute to various health problems. This study aims to describe the stabilizing effects of direct contact with the Earth and consider how this connection may support health management. This review is based on published work on grounding/earthing, electrical circuits, conductors, the human body, and planetary health. Direct contact with the Earth allows free electrons to move into the body and equalize its electrical potential with that of the Earth. This process is said to reduce excessive inflammation by neutralizing free radicals, improve blood flow, support normal function of the heart, muscles, and brain, and strengthen the immune system. This suggests that without a direct connection to the Earth, the human body encounters problems in functioning properly. Walking barefoot is one example of such contact. It not only boosts the body's natural capabilities but also assists in curing illnesses and preventing disease occurrence. Modern environments often block this connection, which may interfere with normal bodily function. Grounding connects the body to the Earth’s direct current (DC) circuit and may help maintain a stable physiological state. Longer and more frequent contact may offer greater benefits. For this reason, it suggests that grounding should be considered as a means of treatment in clinical medicine. Further research is needed to understand how the body’s conductive nature and its connection to the Earth influence healing and overall health.

This study compared neuromuscular characteristics, force steadiness (FS), and ultrasound-derived muscle texture features of the calf muscles between competitive bodybuilders (BB, n = 15) and non-trained controls (CON, n = 14) during plantarflexion across multiple contraction intensities. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque and FS were assessed using a torque sensor, while high-density surface electromyography was used to analyze motor unit (MU) firing rate, recruitment threshold, and derecruitment threshold in the medial gastrocnemius (GM), lateral gastrocnemius (GL), and soleus (SOL). Intermuscular coherence among MU spike trains was quantified across multiple frequency bands. Ultrasound imaging was employed to assess muscle thickness, echo intensity (EI), and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-derived texture features. The BB group demonstrated significantly higher normalized MVC compared with the CON group (p < 0.01). FS was significantly lower in the CON group at 30% MVC (p < 0.05), whereas the BB group exhibited reduced FS at 70% MVC (p < 0.01). Ultrasound analysis revealed lower EI and distinct GLCM-derived texture features in GM and GL in the BB group (p < 0.01), with no significant differences observed in SOL. MUAP amplitude was lower in the BB group in GM at 30% and 50% MVC and in GL at 50% MVC (p < 0.05). Derecruitment thresholds were also lower in the BB group in GM at 70% MVC and in SOL at 50% and 70% MVC (p < 0.05). Although overall muscular synchronization did not differ between groups, the BB group exhibited significantly higher intermuscular coherence in the β-band for GM/SOL at 50% MVC, and in the α- and β-bands for GL/SOL as well as the δ-band for GM/GL at 70% MVC (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that long-term weight training is associated with intensity-dependent neuromuscular adaptations characterized by altered motor unit behavior and intermuscular coordination during plantarflexion.

Stigma impedes treatment-seeking and recovery. This study examined how the predictive contributions of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours to mental health disorder stigma differed by clinical practicum experience among nursing students exposed to auditory hallucination simulation. A non-randomised comparative cross-sectional design was employed (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines). Nursing students (n = 363) from four Korean universities were allocated to groups with (n = 175) and without (n = 188) clinical practicum experience based on academic progression. All participants completed an auditory hallucination simulation programme followed by questionnaires measuring knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and stigma. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that among students without clinical experience, knowledge (β = -0.435, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = -0.259, p < 0.001), and behaviours (β = -0.144, p = 0.020) predicted stigma (Adjusted R² = 0.419). Among students with clinical experience, only knowledge (β = -0.455, p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = -0.287, p < 0.001) predicted stigma (Adjusted R² = 0.478); behaviours did not reach significance despite a stronger bivariate correlation in the experienced (r = -0.390) than inexperienced group (r = -0.332). This paradoxical pattern — a stronger zero-order association losing independent variance in the multivariate model — suggests clinical experience integrates the three stigma components such that behaviour’s effect becomes fully mediated through knowledge and attitudes. These findings support a stage-sensitive model: direct behavioural strategies are most effective pre-practicum, while post-practicum intervention should prioritise cognitive-affective integration via structured debriefing.

목적 (Purpose) 본 연구는 만성요통을 가진 중년여성을 대상으로 12주간의 요부 운동재활프로그램을 적용하여 건강체력, 통증정도 및 요부 기능에 미치는 영향을 규명함으로써, 만성요통 중년여성의 기능 회복과 통증 완화를 위한 효과적인 운동중재 방안을 제시하고, 현장 적용 가능한 기초 자료를 제공하는 데 목적이 있다. 방법 (Methods) 본 연구의 대상자는 경기도 N지역 A운동센터에 등록된 40~50대 만성요통 중년여성 24명을 대상으로 하였으며, 운동군 (n=12)과 통제군 (n=12)으로 무작위 배정하였다. 운동군은 12주간 주 3회, 회당 60분씩 요부 운동재활프로그램을 실시하였다. 결과 (Results) 12주간의 요부 운동재활프로그램 적용 결과 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 첫째, 건강체력에서 근지구력은 집단과 시기 간 상호작용 효과가 유의하게 나타났으며, 통증정도 (VAS)는 집단단과 시기 간 상호작용 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 둘째, 통증정도 VAS)는 집단, 시기, 집단과 시기 간 상호작용 모두에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 운동군은 사전 대비 사후 통증이 유의하게 감소한 반면, 통제군은 유의하게 증가하였다. 셋째, 요부 기능에서는 요부 근력과 유연성에서 시기 효과 및 집단과 시기 간 상호작용 효과가 유의하게 나타났으며, 요부 안정성은 집단, 시기 및 집단과 시기 간 상호작용 모두에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 또한, 운동군은 사전 대비 사후 요부 근력·유연성·안정성이 유의하게 향상된 반면, 통제군은 감소하거나 유의한 변화가 나타나지 않았다. 결론 (Conclusion)12주간의 요부 운동재활프로그램은 만성요통 중년여성의 건강체력 향상과 통증 정도, 그리고 요부 기능 개선에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다.

목적 (Purpose) 본 연구에서는 12주간 재활스트레칭 프로그램이 만성 요통을 가진 중년여성 건강체력, 통증 지수 및 삶의 질에 미치는 영향을 비교 분석하고자 한다. 이를 통해 신체적, 정신적 부분에서 그 효과를 분석하고 정보를 제공하여 재활스트레칭 참여 활성화 및 만성 요통 개선을 위한 운동프로그램을 작성하는데 기초 자료 제공 및건강증진에 기여하고자 한다. 방법 (Methods) 본 연구는 경기도 고양시 문화체육시설 강좌에 참여하는 40~60대 중년여성 중 6개월 이상 만성 요통을 호소하고 시각적 사상척도 (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) 4점 이상인 대상자 20명을 선정하여 실시하였다. 재활스트레칭 처치집단 10명과 통제집단 10명으로 무선 배정하였다. 연구 설계는 12주간의 재활스트레칭 프로그램 적용에 따른 건강체력, 통증 및 삶의 질의 변화를 비교하는 사전·사후 실험설계로 진행하였다. 처치집단은 12주간 재활스트레칭 프로그램에 참여하였으며, 통제집단은 별도의 중재를 시행하지 않았다. 모든 대상자는 중재 전·후 동일한 항목에 대해 평가를 실시하였다. 측정 항목은 건강체력, 통증 및 삶의 질로 구성하였다. 건강체력은 악력계를 이용한 근력, 변형된 팔굽혀펴기를 이용한 근지구력, 좌전굴 검사를 이용한 유연성을 측정하였다. 통증 평가는 한국어판 시각적 사상척도(VAS)를 사용하였으며, 삶의 질 평가는 WHOQOL-100 설문지를 활용하였다. 독립변인은 재활스트레칭 시행 여부와 측정 시기 (사전·사후)로 설정하였으며, 종속변인은 건강체력 (근력, 근지구력, 유연성), 통증 및 삶의 질로 설정하였다. 결과 (Results) 12주간의 재활스트레칭 프로그램 적용 결과 다음과 같은 결과을 얻었다. 첫째, 재활스트레칭 프로그램에 참여한 처치집단은 근력, 근지구력 및 유연성에서 유의한 향상을 나타냈다(P<0.05). 반면 통제집단은 운동 후 건강체력 요소가 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 또한 측정 시기와 집단 간 상호작용 효과가 통계적으로 유의하게 나타나 재활스트레칭 프로그램이 건강체력 향상에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었다. 둘째, 재활스트레칭 프로그램 실시 후 처치집단의 통증 (VAS)은 유의하게 감소하였으며 (P<0.05), 통제집단은 오히려 통증이 증가하는 결과를 보였다. 특히 측정 시기와 집단 간 상호작용 효과가 유의하게 나타나 재활스트레칭이 만성요통 완화에 효과적인 중재 방법임을 확인하였다. 셋째, 재활스트레칭 프로그램에 참여한 처치집단은 삶의 질 점수가 유의하게 향상되었으며 (P<0.05), 통제집단은 감소하는 경향을 나타냈다. 또한 측정 시기와 집단 간 상호작용 효과가 통계적으로 유의하게 나타나 재활스트레칭이 신체적 건강뿐만 아니라 심리적·사회적 측면을 포함한 삶의 질 향상에도 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 (Conclusion) 12주간의 재활스트레칭 프로그램은 만성요통 중년여성의 건강체력 향상과 통증 감소, 그리고 삶의 질 향상에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 특히 근력, 근지구력 및 유연성의 향상과 함께 통증 완화 효과가 확인되었으며, 신체적 기능뿐 아니라 심리적·사회적 측면을 포함한 삶의 질 개선에도 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 재활스트레칭 프로그램은 만성요통 중년여성의 기능 회복과 건강증진을 위한 효과적인 운동중재프로그램으로 활용 가능성이 높을 것으로 판단된다. 또한 향후 만성요통의 관리 및 예방을 위해 체계적이고 지속적인 재활스트레칭 프로그램의 적용이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

목적 (Purpose) 본 연구는 퇴행성 슬관절염을 가진 여성노인을 대상으로 12주간의 운동재활프로그램이 하지근력, 통증 및 낙상효능감에 미치는 영향을 분석함으로써, 퇴행성 슬관절염 개선을 위한 효과적인 운동재활프로그램 개발에 기초자료를 제공하는 데 목적이 있다. 방법 (Methods) 본 연구의 대상자는 경기도 H지역에 거주하고 퇴행성 슬관절염을 가진 만 65세 이상 여성노인 24명을 대상으로 하였으며, 운동재활프로그램을 시행한 처치집단 (n=12)과 운동재활프로그램을 시행하지 않은 통제집단(n=12)으로 무작위 분류하였다. 처치집단은 12주간 주 3회, 1회 60분 동안 점진적으로 운동강도를 조절하여 운동재활프로그램을 실시하였다. 처치집단과 통제집단 모두 하지근력, 통증 및 낙상효능감을 운동 전과 운동후에 각각 측정하였다. 결과 (Results) 12주간의 운동재활프로그램 적용 결과 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 첫째, 하지근력에서 처치집단은 운동재활프로그램 적용 전과 비교하여 사후에 하지근력이 유의하게 증가하였으나 (p<0.05) , 통제집단은 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 둘째, 통증에서 처치집단은 운동재활프로그램 적용 전과 비교하여 사후에 통증이 유의하게 감소하였으나 (p<0.05) , 통제집단은 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 셋째, 낙상효능감에서 처치집단은 운동재활프로그램 적용 전과 비교하여 사후에 낙상효능감이 유의하게 증가하였으나 (p<0.05) , 통제집단은 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 결론 (Conclusion) 본 연구를 통해 12주간의 운동재활프로그램이 퇴행성 슬관절염을 가진 여성노인의 하지근력 증진, 통증 감소 및 낙상효능감 향상에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳐 유의미한 효과가 있음을 확인할 수 있었다.

Purpose: 산후 필라테스 프로그램에서 골반저근 호흡 큐잉과 일반 동작 큐잉을 비교하여 산후 여성의 골반저근 기능, 복직근이개 및 흉곽 확장성에 미치는 차별적 영향을 규명하는 것이다. 자연분만 과정에서 여성의 골반저근은 최대 3배까지 신장되며, 임신 중 발생하는 복직근이개 및 흉곽의 구조적 변화는 출산 후에도 즉시 회복되지 않아 호흡 패턴 이상과 복압 조절 기능 저하를 초래한다. 이들은 상호 연관되어 기능하므로, 골반저근을 명시적으로 강조하는 호흡 큐잉이 횡격막-복횡근-골반저근의 통합 시스템 회복에 미치는 실증적 효과를 검증하고자 하였다. Methods: 자연분만 후 3~6개월이 경과한 서울 및 수도권 거주 여성 24명을 대상으로 무작위 대조 실험(RCT)을 설계하였다. 대상자는 무작위 배정을 통해 골반저근 호흡 큐잉군 (군 A, n=12)과 일반 동작 큐잉군(군 B, n=12)으로 나뉘었다. 중재는 줌 (Zoom) 기반 실시간 온라인 플랫폼을 이용하여 8주간 주 2회, 회당60분씩 매트 필라테스 프로그램으로 진행되었다. 두 군은 동일한 동작을 수행하였으나, 군 A는 날숨 시 골반저근의 자발적 수축을 명시적으로 유도하는 언어적 큐잉을 제공받았고, 군 B는 골반저근 언급 없이 동작의 수행 방법만을 안내받았다. 중재 전후로 골반저 기능장애 (PFDI-20), 요실금 중증도 (ICIQ-SF), 복직근이개 (디지털 캘리퍼 활용 IRD), 흉곽 확장성 (줄자 활용)을 측정하였으며 , 수집된 자료 SPSS 27.0을 이용해 이원 반복측정 분산분석을 실시하여 집단과 시점 간 상호작용 효과를 검증하였다. Results: 8주간의 중재 결과, 연구 가설과 일치하게 골반저근 호흡 큐잉군 (군 A)은 일반 동작 큐잉군 (군 B)에 비해 유의미한 기능적, 구조적 회복을 나타냈다. 골반저근 기능 및 요실금: 군 A는 군 B 대비 PFDI-20 점수와 ICIQ-SF 점수에서 통계적으로 유의미한 폭의 감소를 보여 골반저 기능 회복 및 요실금 증상 완화에 우수한 효과를 보였다. 복직근이개 및 흉곽 확장성: 복직근이개 거리(IRD) 측정 결과 군 A에서 유의하게 더 큰폭의 간격 축소가 확인되었으며, 흉곽 확장성 역시 군 A가 군 B에 비해 통계적으로 유의미하게 향상되었다. Conclusion: 명시적인 골반저근 호흡 큐잉은 신경근 인지력을 높여 횡격막, 복횡근, 골반저근의 협응적 동시수축 (co-contraction)을 극대화한다. 이러한 방식은 단순 동작 안내에 비해 복강 내압 조절을 위한 통합 시 스템의 활성화를 더욱 효과적으로 촉진하여 산후 여성의 신체적 회복에 크게 기여한다. 따라서 본 연구에서 적용된 비대면(온라인) 기반 골반저근 호흡 큐잉 필라테스 프로그램은 산후 접근성이 제한된 여성들의 기능장애 회복을 위한 실용적이고 과학적인 운동재활 중재 방안으로 적극 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

This study compared muscle stiffness and functional movement quality, assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), between U-13 and U-14 elite youth soccer players to examine the practical utility of chronological age-based classification in applied settings. Sixteen elite male youth soccer players (U-13, n = 8; U-14, n = 8) with at least two years of systematic training participated in the study. Biological maturation was estimated using a maturity offset equation, and only players classified as mid- or post-peak height velocity (PHV) were included. Muscle stiffness (N/m) of selected lower-limb and trunk muscles and tendons was measured using the MyotonPRO, with the mean value of three trials at each site used for analysis. Functional movement quality was evaluated using the standardized FMS protocol, consisting of seven subtests with a total possible score of 21 points. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent samples t-tests with the significance level set at α = 0.05. The U-14 group demonstrated significantly greater stiffness in the erector spinae, tibialis anterior, and rectus femoris compared with the U-13 group, whereas no significant between-group differences were observed in the remaining muscle and tendon sites (all p > 0.05). In the FMS assessment, the U-14 group scored significantly higher in the Trunk Stability Push-up and Inline Lunge tests, while no significant differences were identified in the remaining FMS subtests (all p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the transition from U-13 to U-14 in elite youth soccer is associated with site-specific increases in muscle stiffness and improvements in trunk stability and movement control. Therefore, chronological age-grouping may represent a practical and feasible approach for monitoring neuromuscular and functional movement characteristics when maturation-based classification is difficult to implement in applied sports settings.